West Ham boss comments on Reece Oxford, and debut consideration

Sam Allardyce considered handing Reece Oxford his West Ham debut against Liverpool.

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has told how he thought about bringing Reece Oxford on to make his debut for the club at the weekend.

Speaking to the club's official website, Allardyce said that the circumstances of the match worked against the teenager's favour.

He said: "The only record I could have broken was to bring on Reece Oxford as the youngest player ever in the Premier League, but with the injuries and the fact it was 1-0 meant I sadly wasn't able to."

Oxford is only 16-years-old and the fact he was even on the bench for the trip to Anfield was a significant step for him, and show of faith in his talent.

While also indicative of the Hammers' injury problems, there are very high hopes at the club and at international level over his future.

Had he made it onto the field, Oxford would have become West Ham's youngest ever player.

Injuries suffered on the day, including to striker Andy Carroll, forced Allardyce into making changes, rather than having a luxury option of bringing Oxford on when he may have wanted to.

There will be plenty of other opportunities for the teenager, who is the current England under-17 captain. He previously featured as an unused substitute in the Capital One Cup earlier this season.

Upon signing his first professional contract last month, Oxford told the FA's website he hoped to make his debut at West Ham's new Olympic Stadium, which they move to in 2016. It's highly unlikely he will have to wait that long.

Dan Coombs

Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
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